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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 10,2000 22 Mayor Probst stated that all the information regarding lot sizes and shapes come from Ramsey County records and it was possible that there was an error in these records. It was also possible that when the assessments were ligured for this project an error in calculations was made. He indicated that as the City goes through the assessment hearing process such errors would be corrected. Councilmember Larson noted that the total estimated cost for this project was 2.2 million dollars. He confirmed that the basis of the assessments was for the street improvements only. Mr. Brown stated that this was correct. Councilmember Larson requested confirmation that if the retention ponds were eliminated from the project, it would not affect the dollar amount ofthe proposed assessments. Mr. Brown stated that this was correct. Councilmember Larson asked ifthe proposed assessments would be affected by the inclusion of Hamline Avenue in the reconstruction project. Mr. Brown stated that the reconstruction of Hamline Avenue would add an addition $154,200 to the project cost. Councilmember Larson confirmed that the street improvements paid for by assessments would not include the utilities under the road. Mr. Brown stated that the utility improvements would be paid for by other Public Works funds. Mayor Probst noted that the City could choose to assess the sewer improvements. However, in this case the City chose to fund the sewer improvements with other utility funds. Council member Larson asked what the current classification was oflngerson Avenue. Mr. Brown stated that Ingerson Avenue was currently a local collector street. Councilmember Larson asked what the classification was of the other streets in the neighborhood. Mr. Brown stated that, other than the two cul-de-sacs, that the majority of the roads in this neighborhood were local through streets. Councilmember Larson noted that at a prior meeting there had been a great deal of discussion regarding the ditch that runs underneath Snelling Avenue. He asked who was responsible for the maintenance of this ditch. Mr. Brown stated that the responsibility of this ditch has passed between the Rice Creek Watershed District and Ramsey County. Mr. Stafford stated that Ramsey County performed most of the work on this ditch. Mr. Brown noted that the current proposal did not include any changes to this ditch. If the Council chose to move forward with this project, Councilmember Larson asked what the process will be to determine the actual assessments. Mayor Probst stated that the City Engineers have historically provided the City ",ith an estimated cost for a standard 32 foot wide street and this estimate it translated into a relativc assessment based on the cost per square footage. The City Council then decides the actual assessment amount. Historically, the City Council has tended to agree with the assessment amount provided by the City Engineer. However, in this case the Council has chosen to reduce the proposed assessment amount. Councilmember Larson confirmed that the actual amount of the assessments would be determined after the final specifications of the project have been determined. Mayor Probst stated that this was correct. Councilmember Larson asked what would happen ifthe actual bids were significantly lower than the estimates. Mayor Probst stated that the City of Arden Hills establishes the assessment rates prior to proceeding with the project. If the actual project costs